Historic Maine Hotel Began As An Exclusive Social Club

One of Maine's most recognizable historic hotels was originally a waterfront social club, that excluded women for years.

The Outline of This Historic Hotel Makes It Instantly Recognizable

Situated on the shorefront of one of Maine's most popular summer destinations, this hotel's round dining room is instantly recognizable. It's undergone a lot of renovation and additions since it was first opened in 1887, but the 'Reading Room' has always graced the front of the building.

Figured it out yet?

READ MORE: Small Town in Maine Named Among the Prettiest in America

Of course, it's the beautiful Bar Harbor Inn. These days, it's one of Maine's finest hotels and the Reading Room is a popular date night destination and holiday gathering place, overlooking the iconic coast of Maine.

In the late 1800's, It Was the Oasis Club, Which Was Mostly a Men's Club

But it hasn't always been a hotel. It was designed by renowned Boston architect William Ralph Emerson as the Oasis Club, a social gathering place for locals in the summers before World War I. And beginning in 1902, it was largely frequented by yachtsmen after the construction of a steel pier.

The reason what is now the dining room is called 'The Reading Room' is because the Oasis Club was originally hyped as promoting 'literary and social culture.' According to the Mount Desert Islander, that was a ruse because it was actually a place for people to gather and drink during prohibition.

The esteem given to the club was elevated by a visit from President William Howard Taft in 1910, who was given a reception in the club. What do you suppose security looked like back then? Probably a lot different than when President Obama visited Maine.

While the Oasis Club didn't exclude women completely, they only allowed women inside by invitation, and then only on special occasions. That is, until 1921, when the owners began struggling with maintenance costs. That's when the restaurant was built and women were given equal status to the men.

Over the years, the building was used in a variety of ways, including as an observation headquarters for the U.S. Navy in World War II, and as a care center for the American Red Cross during the terrible fire of 1947.

Originally Called Hotel Bar Harbor, the Building Was Renovated After the Fire

After the fire, there was not a single hotel left to attract visitors to Bar Harbor.

Three years later, in 1950, a group of townspeople got together to develop the Hotel Bar Harbor, which included the Reading Room and the addition of a 40-room wing.

These days, it's known as the Bar Harbor Inn and Spa, with spa services and an infinity pool. And, for the record, women are always welcome to stay.